Advanced Water Treatment Technology

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of both the theoretical and practical aspects of conventional and advanced water technology for surface water treatment.

Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to:

• understand the basic principles of coagulation, flocculation and disinfection processes, and select appropriate processes depending on the nature of impurities to be removed and the intended use of the treated water;
• comprehend the basic principles of membrane processes and the capabilities/constraints of using membrane processes in water treatment applications, and have practical knowledge on the design and operation of these processes;
• select an appropriate membrane process for a specific application, and be able to identify appropriate pre-treatment and post treatment schemes, and cleaning protocols for these processes.

The module specifically targets professionals in water treatment companies, consulting agencies, ministries and equipment suppliers.

The short course's didactics include lectures, laboratory sessions, design exercises/workshops, and a visit to a modern water treatment plant. The lectures and workshops include computer presentation, and are of an interactive nature. During the design exercise, a computer aided design of a brackish and seawater reverse osmosis system is made using the program Rodesign 7.4 (Hydranautics), and an overview of other computer programs is given. A visit to the world’s largest integrated membrane plant is also included.

• Water Quality of Lakes & Rivers
• Coagulation & Flocculation Processes
• Chlorination & Advanced Disinfection (Ozone & UV)
• Desalination & Membrane Related Technologies
• Ion Exchange Technology
• Water Softening Technology

Syllabus

• Water quality aspects of lakes & rivers
• Theory of coagulation and flocculation processes, coagulation kinetics, effects of coagulation.
• Break-point chlorination, advanced disinfection processes (ozone/UV).
• Laboratory course on water treatment techniques and analysis of common water quality parameters.
• Principles of microfiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis; specific membrane problems such as fouling, scaling and cleaning, pre-treatment options; commercial membrane elements and systems, Computer Aided Design of brackish/seawater reverse osmosis plants.
• Ion exchange resins (selectivity, column operation, regeneration of resins and applications).
• Principles of chemical softening and sludge blanket softening; design and operation of pellet softening and membrane softening plants.
• Process schemes of water treatment plants.

It is possible to take part in the examination of this short course. If you obtain a passing mark for this examination and return to UNESCO-IHE within four years after completion of the short course to follow a full MSc programme, you will receive exemption for this short course/module. The costs for this exam are €250 extra and should be borne by yourself. Taking part in the examination is not compulsory.